In the spring of 2023, a night of youthful fun took a tragic turn in Augusta, Georgia, ending the life of 15-year-old Zaire Person. On the evening of April 6th, Zaire, a male, was participating in a large water gun party, an event described as a 'Splat Party,' with other teenagers. The gathering moved between several locations before culminating on Old McDuffie Road.
It was there that the sounds of gunfire shattered the playful atmosphere.
Zaire was struck by a bullet during the shooting. He was quickly transported to Augusta University Medical Center, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he died shortly after arriving. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, investigators from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office worked to piece together the events of that chaotic night. It remained unclear to authorities whether the young man, who played both football and basketball and was a big brother to seven siblings, was the intended target of the shooter or an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire.
In the days and weeks that followed, the community mourned the loss of the teenager, who would have celebrated his 16th birthday just two months later. A balloon release was held to remember him. As of early June 2023, the Richmond County Sheriff's Office was still actively seeking help from the public to identify the individual or individuals responsible for Zaire Person's death. Authorities continued to ask for anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward as the investigation remained ongoing.
